Can i change thermal paste to thermal pad while having the warranty?

[entryyf]

Hi everyone,

I bought my Victus 15 fa1xxx computer 6 months ago, and as expected it has thermal issues. I have been experiencing this issue for about 2-3 months. I did a bunch of tests, like the processor was reaching 99 degrees even when drawing 45w. All the fans were in a way that allowed air to flow during these tests.I decided to find a solution to this problem and use a thermal pad that would not pumpout like thermal paste, but I don't know if such a thing is allowed while I have a warranty. If necessary, I can take the thermal pad and send it to victus service, as long as I get rid of these temperature issues and have a long-term solution.

[NonSequitur777]

@entryyf,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

You're not alone -many users of the Victus by HP 15-fa1xxx series have reported high thermals, especially under CPU loads. It’s not uncommon for the Intel Core i5-13420H or i7-13700H in these laptops to hit 95–99°C, since Intel allows modern mobile CPUs to boost aggressively until they reach their thermal limits (aka "thermal velocity boost").

 

What You’ve Done Right:

You're already ahead by:

• Monitoring wattage and thermals

• Ensuring proper airflow during testing

• Exploring better cooling solutions like non-pump-out thermal pads (e.g., graphite or phase-change materials)

 

Can You Use a Thermal Pad While Under Warranty?

Unfortunately, any thermal modification -including replacing paste with pads, can void the warranty if HP Service finds out or if the modification causes related issues (e.g., poor contact or heat damage).

HP's official stance: Opening the laptop to apply third-party thermal material is considered a customer-induced modification. If overheating or hardware failure occurs, HP will almost certainly deny warranty coverage.

 

What Are Your Options?

Here’s a safe and effective path forward:

1. Contact HP Support First
   Since your device is only 6 months old and already overheating, this qualifies for a warranty thermal inspection. HP can:

   • Reapply high-quality thermal paste at their service center

   • Check fan RPM and motherboard thermals

   • Replace fans if one is underperforming

2. Wait Until After Warranty (or Take a Risk)
   If you’re set on applying a thermal pad such as IC Graphite or Honeywell PTM7950:

   • Be aware it would likely void your warranty

   • Take high-res internal photos before and after

   • Save all parts in case you need to reverse the mod before service

3. Use External Cooling to Help
   A decent cooling pad with upward-blowing fans can reduce surface temps by 5–10°C, especially under sustained gaming loads.

---

Final Tip:

You can also try to undervolt or reduce turbo boost power limits using:

• Intel XTU (if supported)

• ThrottleStop

• QuickCPU (to set CPU wattage limit, like what I did in this upgrade project).

• BIOS power settings (if accessible)

Let me know what thermal pad you're considering -or if you'd like help finding a cooling pad that fits the Victus 15’s intake/exhaust layout.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[entryyf]

Hello again,
I was thinking of appyling Thermalright Helios, because PTM 7950 is not avaliable in my country currently. Also just asked the hp support itself, they say you apply it as long as u dont harm the computer. I'll take that risk and will apply it.

Thanks for the reply.

[NonSequitur777]

@entryyf,

Outstanding!

Please follow up if you don't mind keeping us informed of your progress/efforts!

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777